Fil-Am swimmer wins gold at 2024 Paris Paralympics

Gia Pergolini from the US stands on the podium with her gold medal after winning the women’s 100 meter backstroke S13 during the Paralympic Games in Paris, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Felix Scheyer)

Following the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the city seamlessly transitioned into hosting the 2024 Paralympics, where Filipino athletes have been making significant strides in the medal race.

Among the standout performers is Gia Pergolini, a Filipino American swimmer who captured gold at just 20 years old. Competing in the 100-meter backstroke S13, Pergolini secured her victory with an impressive time of 1:04.93. And it’s her second time around. 

Reflecting on her achievement, Pergolini shared with USA Today, “I’m just so happy to be here and representing one of the greatest countries in the world and getting its first gold medal at the Paralympics. It’s just unreal, especially after watching the Olympians dominate the Olympics, I wanted to do that here and I’m so glad I got to do that and end up achieving my goal.”

Gia Pergolini from the US emerges from the looks up after winning the gold medal in the Women’s S13 100 meter backstroke at the Paralympic Games swimming finals in La Defense Arena on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Samantha Hurley).

Pergolini’s triumph in Paris echoes her previous success, as she also claimed gold in the same event at the Tokyo Paralympics when she was just 17. She once held the world record for the 100-meter backstroke S13 with a time of 1:04.64, a mark she narrowly missed by just 0.3 seconds in Paris.

As a member of the US team, the Florida International University student delivered USA’s first gold medal at the Paralympics. In an interview with the LA Times, Pergolini recalled her mindset before the race: “I just kept telling myself, ‘Worrying won’t change the result of the race.’ I focused on channeling the same sense of fun and determination I had at 17, just going out there and doing what I know best.”

The vibrant atmosphere in Paris left a strong impression on Pergolini, who admired the French crowd’s passionate support for their athletes.

Looking ahead, she expressed her desire to experience that same pride and excitement at the upcoming Los Angeles Games on her home turf. For now, she remains focused on taking things one step at a time, with her sights set on future competitions.